Wakeful Stakes

Race Preview

The Group 2 Wakeful Stakes is held annually at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne in late October, on Victoria Derby Day. It is raced over a distance of 2000 metres and is open to 3-year-old fillies at set weights and penalties conditions. It carries prize money of $300,000 and it is regarded as one of the best distance races for 3-year-old fillies during the spring carnival, usually attracting horses on their way to the Group 1 Crown Oaks.

It was first run in 1932 and has been a Group 2 race since it was upgraded in 1979. Noteable winners include Serenade Rose, Grand Archway, Arborea, Richfield Lady, November Rain and How Now. It is a highly regarded race, producing 30+ Crown Oaks winners, as well as Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winners over the years.

The most important lead up race to the Wakeful Stakes is the Thousand Guineas, with many fillies who perform well in the Thousand Guineas going on to perform well again in the Wakeful. Star filly Irish Lights took out this year’s Thousand Guineas ahead of Melito and Faint Perfume. The Edward Manifold (won this year by Majestic Music) is also a good guide, with several winners in this race going on to win the Wakeful as well.

Previous Wakeful Stakes Winners